Stack and nest bail container

ABSTRACT

A container is provided for storing items and for being stacked upon and nested within like containers. The container includes a base having first and second pairs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls extending therefrom. The second pair of sidewalls is perpendicularly disposed between and interconnects the first pair of sidewalls to form a storage compartment. An inward projection is carried by one, and an outwardprojection is carried by the other, of the first pair of sidewalls. Each of a pair of support members is pivotally connected to a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls and is adapted for being moved between an inwardly-directed position residing within the storage compartment and an outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage compartment. The container can be positioned in a nesting position, first stacking position, or second stacking position relative to another like container.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a storage container, particularly one which has both stacking and nesting capabilities. Known as “stack and nest” containers, such containers are commonly used in retail and food distribution businesses, and are particularly suited for distribution applications requiring containers which exhibit great stacking strength when full, yet provide efficient, space-saving storage when empty.

[0002] Traditional prior art 180° stack and nest containers have opposing sidewalls that are shaped so that the containers may be selectively moved between stacked and nested positions depending upon the orientation of the sidewalls of one container relative to the sidewalls of another container. Such containers rely upon superposable ledge structures which are formed on opposing sidewalls for permitting one container to be nested within another container so that the superposable ledge structures coincide and maintain the containers in the nesting position. To stack the containers, the uppermost container is removed from the container within which it was nested and rotated 180°. This 180° rotation reorients the sidewalls and ledge structures of the containers relative to each other so that the ledge structures no longer nest with each other, but instead engage each other, which in turn allows the containers to be stacked. Such containers are typically limited to only one stacking height.

[0003] A typical stack and nest bail container includes two bails, each of which is positioned adjacent the upper edge of a respective one of the opposing sidewalls on the container. The bails may be moved between a stacking orientation in which each bail extends across the top of the container for permitting a like container to be stacked on top of the bails, and a retracted orientation in which the bails are positioned along the exterior of the sidewalls of the container, thus permitting a like container to be nested within the container. Like conventional prior art 180° stack and nest containers, conventional stack and nest bail containers are typically limited to only one stacking height.

[0004] The invention of the present application addresses the single stacking height limitation inherent in both 180° stack and nest containers and stack and nest bail containers by combining the structures employed by each type of container to arrive at a unique container that can be nested within another like container, or stacked in one of at least two positions for adjusting the height of the interior storage area within each stacked container. This novel 180° stack and nest bail container provides a cost-effective alternative to conventional stack and nest containers, and is easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a stack and nest container which can be interstacked and internested with other like containers to form a stable, unitary load regardless of whether the containers are full or empty.

[0006] It is another object of the invention to provide a stack and nest container which incorporates the features of both 180° stack and nest containers and stack and nest bail containers.

[0007] It is another object of the invention to provide a stack and nest container that provides a nesting efficiency when internested with other like containers.

[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a stack and nest container that can be selectively moved between a nested position and one of at least two stacked positions for permitting the height of the interior storage area of the container to be adjusted according to storage requirements.

[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide a stack and nest container which may be easily positioned and maintained in either a stacked or nested position with another like container.

[0010] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a container for storing items and adapted for being stacked upon and nested within like containers. The container includes a base from which first and second pairs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls upwardly and outwardly extend. The second pair of sidewalls is perpendicularly disposed between and interconnects the first pair of sidewalls to form a storage compartment. An inwardly-directed projection is carried by one of the first pair of sidewalls, and an outwardly-directed projection is carried by the other of the first pair of sidewalls. The container also includes a pair of opposed support members. Each of the support members is pivotally connected to a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls and is adapted for being moved between an inwardly-directed position residing within the storage compartment at a predetermined vertical position therein and an outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage compartment. The inwardly-directed projection, outwardly-directed projection and pair of support members cooperate together for defining a nesting position, and first and second stacking positions. When the container is in the nesting position, each of the support members is in the outwardly-directed position and is in a non-interfering position relative to the storage compartment for permitting a like container to be received within the storage compartment, and the inwardly-directed and outwardly-directed projections on the container engage respective like inwardly-directed and outwardly-directed projections carried by the like container. When the container is in the first stacking position, each of the support members is in the inwardly-directed position for engaging a base of the like container for permitting the like container to be stacked upon the support members at a first predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above the base of the container. When the container is in the second stacking position, each of the support members is in the outwardly-directed position and the like container is oriented for permitting like inwardly-directed and outwardly-directed projections of the like container to be stacked upon the respective outwardly-directed and inwardly-directed projections of the container at a second predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above the base of the container.

[0011] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the first predetermined stacking height is greater than the second predetermined stacking height.

[0012] The pair of support members is preferably a pair of bails.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of shoulders are formed on each of the second pair of sidewalls and are adapted for receiving one of the pair of bales thereon for maintaining the bale in the inwardly-directed position.

[0014] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the pair of bails includes inwardly-turned free ends. Each of the free ends is adapted for being pivotally connected to a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls.

[0015] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of horizontally-extending ribs are formed on an exterior surface of each of the first pair of sidewalls. The ribs define a groove extending therebetween that is adapted for receiving a respective one of the pair of support members therein for maintaining the support member in the outwardly-directed position.

[0016] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of grooves are defined in and extend transversely along the base of the container between the first pair of sidewalls. Each of the pair of grooves is adapted for receiving a respective one of a pair of support members of the like container therein for maintaining the container in the first stacking position relative to the like container.

[0017] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the inwardly-directed projection is a first superposable ledge structure adapted for complementary engagement with the inwardly-directed projection on the like container for maintaining the like container in said nesting position within the storage compartment, and complementary engagement with the outwardly-directed projection on the like container for maintaining the like container in the second stacking position.

[0018] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the outwardly-directed projection is a second superposable ledge structure adapted for complementary engagement with the outwardly-directed projection on the like container for maintaining the like container in the nesting position within the storage compartment, and complementary engagement with the inwardly-directed projection on the like container for maintaining the like container in the second stacking position.

[0019] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the container includes first and second pairs of bail socket members. Each of the pairs of bail socket members is carried by a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls. Each bail socket member is adapted for receiving a respective one of the free ends of the pair of bails therein for permitting pivotal movement of each of the pair of bails between the inwardly-directed and outwardly-directed positions.

[0020] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a bail socket is connected to an upper rim of each of the first pair of sidewalls and adapted for receiving the free ends of a respective one of the pair of bails therein for permitting the bail to move between the inwardly-directed and outwardly-directed positions.

[0021] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of holes are defined by and extend through at least one of the sidewalls for providing ventilation to the storage compartment.

[0022] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the container includes a pair of handles. Each of the handles is defined by and extends through a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls for permitting the container to be moved from one location to another.

[0023] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the container includes a pair of handles. Each of the handles is defined by and extends through a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls adjacent the upper rim for permitting the container to be moved from one location to another.

[0024] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, another container for storing items and adapted for being stacked upon and nested within a like container is provided. The container includes a base from which first and second pairs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls upwardly and outwardly, extend. The second pair of sidewalls is perpendicularly disposed between and interconnects the first pair of sidewalls to form a storage compartment. An inward projection is carried by one of the first pair of sidewalls and extends inwardly into the storage compartment, and an outward projection is carried by the other of the first pair of sidewalls and extends outwardly away from the storage compartment. The container also includes a pair of opposed bails. One of the bails is pivotally connected to a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls and is adapted for being moved between an inwardly-directed position residing within the storage compartment at a predetermined vertical position and an outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage compartment. The inward projection, outward projection and pair of support members cooperate together for defining a nesting position wherein each of the bails is in the outwardly-directed position and in a non-interfering position relative to the storage compartment for permitting a like container to be received within the storage compartment, wherein the inward and outward projections on the container engage respective like inward and outward projections carried by the like container. The inward projection, outward projection and pair of support members also cooperate together for defining first and second stacking positions. When in the first stacking position, each of the bails is in the inwardly-directed position for engaging a base of the like container for permitting the like container to be stacked upon the support members at a first predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above said base of the container. When in the second stacking position, each of the bails is in the outward position and the like container is oriented 180 degrees from the first stacking position for permitting like inward and outward projections of the like container to be stacked upon the respective outwardly and inward projections of the container at a second predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above the base of the container.

[0025] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, yet another container is provided for storing items and adapted for being stacked upon and nested within a like container. The container includes a base. Complementary pairs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls extend upwardly and outwardly from the base, and are interconnected to form a storage compartment. An inward projection is carried by one of a selected pair of the complementary sidewalls and extends inwardly into the storage compartment. An outward projection is carried by the other of the selected pair of sidewalls and extends inwardly into the storage compartment. The container also includes a pair of opposed support members. One of the support members is pivotally connected to a respective one of the selected pair of sidewalls and is adapted for being moved between an inwardly-directed position residing within the storage compartment at a predetermined vertical position, and an outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage compartment. The inward projection, outward projection and pair of support members cooperate together for defining nesting, first stacking, and second stacking positions. In the nesting position, each of the support members is in the outwardly-directed position and is in a non-interfering position relative to the storage compartment for permitting a like container to be received within the storage compartment, wherein the inward and outward projections on the container engage respective like inward and outward projections carried by the like container. In the first stacking position, each of the support members is in the inwardly-directed position for engaging a base of the like container for permitting the like container to be stacked upon the support members at a first predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above the base of the container. In the second stacking position, each of the support members is in the outward position, and the like container is oriented 180 degrees from the first stacking position for permitting like inward and outward projections of the like container to be stacked upon the respective outwardly and inward projections of the container at a second predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above the base of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a 180° stack and nest bail container according to one preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0028]FIG. 2 is a side elevation of two containers according to FIG. 1 showing the containers in a nested position;

[0029]FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the containers shown in FIG. 2 illustrating the containers oriented in one of at least two possible stacked positions;

[0030]FIG. 4 is a side elevation of two containers according to another preferred embodiment of the invention showing the containers placed in another one of at least two stacked positions; and

[0031]FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the containers according to FIG. 4 showing the containers placed in a stacked position identical to the stacked position illustrated in FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

[0032] Referring now specifically to the drawings, a 180° stack and nest bail container according to the present invention is illustrated and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The container 10 may be formed from any suitable material, but is preferably formed from either high density polyethylene or polypropylene. Furthermore, the container 10 may have any length, width, or height, depending upon the type of application for which the container 10 is intended to be used.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the container 10 includes a floor 11 upon which two opposing, major sidewalls, 12 and 13, and two opposing, minor sidewalls, 14 and 15, are formed. Sidewalls 12, 13, 14 and 15 collectively define an interior of the container 10. The major and minor opposing sidewalls 12, 13 and 14, 15 define two opposing, major upper edges 17 and 18, and two opposing, minor upper edges, 19 and 20, respectively. A hand grip opening 21A is defined in each of the minor sidewalls 14 and 15 adjacent the minor upper edges 19 and 20. The hand grip openings 21A are used to manually transport the container 10 to different positions and locations.

[0034] First and second ledge structures 22 and 23 are also defined in minor sidewalls 14 and 15, respectively. The first ledge structure 22 protrudes outwardly from minor sidewall 14 away from the interior of the container 10. In contrast, the second ledge structure 23 defines a shoulder 24 that extends into the interior. A stacking rim 25 is defined by the floor 11 and extends along the bottom of minor sidewall 14. A stacking channel 26 is also defined in the floor 11 and extends across the floor 11 adjacent minor sidewall 15.

[0035] The container 10 also includes multiple ventilation holes 30A which are defined in and extend through sidewalls 12, 13, 14 and 15. The container 10 may optionally include a complementary nesting lid and/or one or more dividers which may be positioned in the interior to partition the interior into separate chambers or layers (Not shown).

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2, the shape of the first and second ledge structures 22 and 23 permits the first and second ledge structures 22 and 23 to be superposed upon identical first and second ledge structures 22′ and 23′ of another container 0′, which enables the container 10 to be nested within the interior of the container 10′ when the containers 10 and 10′ are not in use. This nested position saves space and permits multiple containers 10 to be easily and cost-effectively transported when empty. The containers 10 provide a nesting efficiency when internested with other like containers.

[0037] Referring again to FIG. 1, the container 10 also includes first and second bails 27 and 28. The bails 27 and 28 may be formed from any suitable substance. Bail 27 is pivotally attached by hinges 29A and 29B to minor upper edge 19. Bail 28 is similarly pivotally attached by hinges 31A and 31 B to minor upper edge 20. FIG. 1 shows the bails 27 and 28 pivoted inwardly toward the interior of the container 10. FIG. 2 shows the bails 27 and 28 pivoted outwardly away from the interior and positioned adjacent the exterior of minor sidewalls 14 and 15. Positioning bails 27 and 28 on the exterior of respective sidewalls 14 and 15 permits container 10′ to be nested within the interior of container 10.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, placing each bail 27 and 28 in the inwardly-directed position permits an identical container 10′ to be stacked on top of the container 10. As is shown in FIG. 3, bails 27 and 28 on container 10 are received within respective complementary stacking channel 26′ and stacking rim 25′ on container 10′. Stacking the containers 10 and 10′ in this manner creates an interior height “H₁” within the container 10 for permitting larger items to be stored therein. Interior height “H₁” may be any height necessary to address individual storage requirements.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 4, two 180° stack and nest containers according to an alternative embodiment of the invention are illustrated and shown generally at reference numerals 40 and 40′. With the exception of the absence of ventilation holes 30A, the containers 40 and 40′ are formed from the same materials and include the same components as the container 10; therefore, like elements are shown in FIG. 4 using prime reference numerals. Using containers 40 and 40′ as representative examples, FIG. 4 shows the containers 40 and 40′ placed in a second stacking position which creates an interior height “H₂”within the container 40. Like interior height “H₁”, interior height “H₂”may be any height necessary to address individual storage requirements. This second stacking position is achieved by rotating the container 40′ relative to container 40 by 180° so that the minor sidewalls 14′ and 15′ of container 40′ are positioned over the minor sidewalls 15′ and 14′, respectively, of container 40. Container 40′ is then superposed upon container 40 so that the first ledge structure 22′ engages the shoulder 24′ of the second ledge structure 23′, which in turn maintains the containers 40 and 40′ in the second stacking position. FIG. 5 shows the containers 40 and 40′ placed in a stacking position identical to that shown in FIG. 3 above.

[0040] A stack and nest container has been disclosed. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation. 

I claim:
 1. A container for storing items and adapted for being stacked upon and nested within a like container, comprising: (a) a base; (b) first and second pairs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls extending upwardly and outwardly from said base, said second pair of sidewalls perpendicularly disposed between and interconnecting said first pair of sidewalls to form a storage compartment; (c) an inward projection carried by one of said first pair of sidewalls and extending inwardly into the storage compartment; (d) an outward projection carried by the other of the first pair of sidewalls and extending inwardly into the storage compartment; (e) a pair of opposed support members, one of said support members pivotally connected to a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls and adapted for being moved between an inwardly-directed position residing within said storage compartment at a predetermined vertical position, and an outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage compartment; said inward projection, outward projection and pair of support members cooperating together for defining: (i) a nesting position wherein each of the support members is in said outwardly-directed position and in a non-interfering position relative to the storage compartment for permitting a like container to be received within the storage compartment, wherein the inward and outward projections on the container engage respective like inward and outward projections carried by the like container; (ii) a first stacking position wherein each of the support members is in the inwardly-directed position for engaging a base of the like container for permitting the like container to be stacked upon the support members at a first predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above said base of the container; and (iii) a second stacking position wherein each of the support members is in the outward position and the like container is oriented for permitting like inward and outward projections of the like container to be stacked upon the respective outwardly and inward projections of said container at a second predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above the base of the container.
 2. A container according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined stacking height is greater than said second predetermined stacking height.
 3. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of support members comprises a pair of bails.
 4. A container according to claim 3, and including a pair of shoulders formed on each of the second pair of sidewalls and adapted for receiving one of said pair of bales thereon for maintaining the bale in the inwardly-directed position.
 5. A container according to claim 3, wherein each of said pair of bails includes inwardly-turned free ends, each of said free ends adapted for being pivotally connected to a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls.
 6. A container according to claim 1, and including a pair of horizontally-extending ribs formed on an exterior surface of each of the first pair of sidewalls, said ribs defining a groove extending therebetween adapted for receiving a respective one of the pair of support members therein for maintaining the support member in the outwardly-directed position.
 7. A container according to claim 1, and including a pair of grooves defined in and extending transversely along the base of the container between the first pair of sidewalls, each of said pair of grooves adapted for receiving a respective one of a pair of support members of the like container therein for maintaining the container in the first stacking position relative to the like container.
 8. A container according to claim 1, wherein said inwardly-directed projection comprises a first superposable ledge structure adapted for: (i) complementary engagement with the inwardly-directed projection on the like container for maintaining the like container in said nesting position within the storage compartment; and (ii) complementary engagement with the outwardly-directed projection on the like container for maintaining the like container in the second stacking position.
 9. A container according to claim 8, wherein said outwardly-directed projection comprises a second superposable ledge structure adapted for: (i) complementary engagement with the outwardly-directed projection on the like container for maintaining the like container in the nesting position within the storage compartment; and (ii) complementary engagement with the inwardly-directed projection on the like container for maintaining the like container in the second stacking position.
 10. A container according to claim 5, and including first and second pairs of bail socket members, wherein each of said pairs of bail socket members is carried by a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls and each bail socket member is adapted for receiving a respective one of said free ends of the pair of bails therein for permitting pivotal movement of each of the pair of bails between the inwardly-directed and outwardly-directed positions.
 11. A container according to claim 5, and including a bail socket connected to an upper rim of each of the first pair of sidewalls and adapted for receiving the free ends of a respective one of the pair of bails therein for permitting the bail to move between the inwardly-directed and outwardly-directed positions.
 12. A container according to claim 1, and including a plurality of holes defined by and extending through at least one of the sidewalls for providing ventilation to the storage compartment.
 13. A container according to claim 1, and including a pair of handles, each of said handles defined by and extending through a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls for permitting the container to be moved from one location to another.
 14. A container according to claim 11, and including a pair of handles, each of said handles defined by and extending through a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls adjacent said upper rim for permitting the container to be moved from one location to another.
 15. A container according to claim 14, and including a plurality of holes defined by and extending through at least one of the sidewalls for providing ventilation to the storage compartment.
 16. A container for storing items and adapted for being stacked upon and nested within a like container, comprising: (a) a base; (b) first and second pa+irs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls extending upwardly and outwardly from said base, said second pair of sidewalls perpendicularly disposed between and interconnecting said first pair of sidewalls to form a storage compartment; (c) an inward projection carried by one of said first pair of sidewalls and extending inwardly into the storage compartment; (d) an outward projection carried by the other of the first pair of sidewalls and extending inwardly into the storage compartment; (e) a pair of opposed bails, one of said bails pivotally connected to a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls and adapted for being moved between an inwardly-directed position residing within said storage compartment at a predetermined vertical position, and an outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage compartment; said inward projection, outward projection and pair of support members cooperating together for defining: (i) a nesting position wherein each of the bails is in said outwardly-directed position and in a non-interfering position relative to the storage compartment for permitting a like container to be received within the storage compartment, wherein the inward and outward projections on the container engage respective like inward and outward projections carried by the like container; (ii) a first stacking position wherein each of the bails is in the inwardly-directed position for engaging a base of the like container for permitting the like container to be stacked upon the support members at a first predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above said base of the container; and (iii) a second stacking position wherein each of the bails is in the outward position and the like container is oriented 180 degrees from said first stacking position for permitting like inward and outward projections of the like container to be stacked upon the respective outwardly and inward projections of said container at a second predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above the base of the container.
 17. A container for storing items and adapted for being stacked upon and nested within a like container, comprising: (a) a base; (b) complementary pairs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls extending upwardly and outwardly from said base and interconnected to form a storage compartment; (c) an inward projection carried by one of a selected pair of said complementary sidewalls and extending inwardly into the storage compartment; (d) an outward projection carried by the other of said selected pair of sidewalls and extending inwardly into the storage compartment; (e) a pair of opposed support members, one of said support members pivotally connected to a respective one of the selected pair of sidewalls and adapted for being moved between an inwardly-directed position residing within said storage compartment at a predetermined vertical position, and an outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage compartment; said inward projection, outward projection and pair of support members cooperating together for defining: (i) a nesting position wherein each of the support members is in said outwardly-directed position and in a non-interfering position relative to the storage compartment for permitting a like container to be received within the storage compartment, wherein the inward and outward projections on the container engage respective like inward and outward projections carried by the like container; (ii) a first stacking position wherein each of the support members is in the inwardly-directed position for engaging a base of the like container for permitting the like container to be stacked upon the support members at a first predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above said base of the container; and (iii) a second stacking position wherein each of the support members is in the outward position and the like container is oriented 180 degrees from said first stacking position for permitting like inward and outward projections of the like container to be stacked upon the respective outwardly and inward projections of said container at a second predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above the base of the container. 